Common questions
Study abroad questions, answered
Is Smartious Study Abroad really free?
Yes — completely free for students. There are no consultation fees, no application processing fees, no document handling fees and no hidden charges at any stage. From your first consultation through to your destination country arrival, Smartious provides full study abroad support at zero cost to you or your family.
Which destinations do you support?
Currently 10 destinations: United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, China, Turkey and UAE. These cover the highest-demand destinations for Kenyan and African students seeking quality higher education with clear post-study pathways. We can also advise on additional destinations on a case-by-case basis (Hungary, India, South Africa, Malaysia, others).
How do I start?
Book an assessment via the button on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 745 021 212, or email hellosmartious@gmail.com. Initial consultation is a 30-60 minute conversation to understand your goals, profile and constraints, after which we propose a personalised plan.
How long does the study abroad process take?
Typical timeline is 12-18 months from first consultation to destination arrival. For students with English tests done and clear university preferences, 6-9 months. Compressed timelines work for some destinations and intake windows. Specific timelines depend on destination, programme level and scholarship strategy.
What costs are involved?
Smartious services are free. Costs paid directly by students/families: university application fees (varies $50-150 per university), English tests (IELTS ~$220, TOEFL ~$220, SAT ~$93), visa fees (varies), tuition and living costs after admission. Scholarships can cover much or all of tuition and living costs.
What if I don't have strong KCSE grades?
Different destinations have different entry thresholds, and many pathways exist for students with KCSE B (Plain) or lower — foundation years, pathway programmes, applied universities, community college transfer routes. We work with realistic profiles, not just the top tier. Honest assessment in the first consultation is the starting point.
Can my family come with me?
Depends on destination and visa type. Generally: Canada and Australia offer the most family-friendly student visa rules (spouse work rights, children in public schools). UK allows family for postgraduate students only. USA F-1 visa allows family but spouses don't get work rights. We advise on family accommodation pathway for each destination.
Do you help with English test preparation?
Yes — Smartious Test Prep is our dedicated English and admissions test preparation programme. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE at KSh 29,000 for 20 sessions. GRE, GMAT, SAT at KSh 59,000 for 40 sessions. This is a paid service separate from the free study abroad consulting.
When should I start preparing for study abroad?
Ideally 18-24 months before intended start date. This timeline allows for: English test preparation, university research and shortlisting, application preparation and submission, scholarship applications (often have early deadlines), visa application and pre-departure preparation. Starting earlier than 24 months can be premature; starting later than 12 months limits options.
How do you choose universities for me?
We build personalised shortlists based on: your academic profile (KCSE grades, subject grades, achievements), career goals, programme preferences, geographic preferences, family budget and scholarship needs, post-study residence ambitions. Most students end up with 5-12 university applications strategically balanced across reach/match/safety options.